Principal's Message

Tiger Community,

As we close the books on the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect not only on the progress we’ve made, but on the journey we’ve taken together. This has been a year of growth, individually and collectively. Our students rose to high expectations, demonstrating resilience, curiosity, and the ability to bounce back stronger from every challenge. Our staff worked with focus and purpose to support academic achievement, build meaningful relationships, and ensure every student felt safe, supported, and valued. Families stood alongside us, offering partnership and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we lived out the spirit of Tiger Pride in Every Stride-a mindset that fueled our actions, defined our progress, and shaped the positive momentum we carry into the future.

Academic Growth
TJHS made significant gains on 2025 state testing:

• ELA scores increased by over 10%-the strongest growth we’ve seen in recent years.
• Math scores improved by nearly 3%, continuing an upward trend.
• Our 8th-grade cohort (Class of 2025) improved by 8.8% in ELA compared to their 6th-grade year in elementary school, showing the impact of high expectations and daily effort.
• We also anticipate growth among our English Learners and students with disabilities as soon as subgroup results are finalized.

These results are a direct reflection of targeted interventions, committed staff collaboration, and the support of families and students who continue to rise to the challenge.

School Culture & Engagement

• The number of students considered chronically absent is expected to decrease by 5%.
• Tardies decreased by approximately 40% this year thanks to increased supervision, clear expectations, and positive routines.
• Student engagement during lunch expanded through:
  • Fun Fridays
  • Lunchtime intramural sports
  • Clubs that promote leadership, connection, and enjoyment

Our safety practices remain strong and consistent, with a focus on making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to learn.

Family & Community Partnerships

• We introduced Coffee with the Principal this year, creating space for open communication and shared planning with families and staff.
• The PIQE parent empowerment program expanded, offering families new tools to support their students academically and socially.
• Our English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) continued to grow, elevating parent voice and support for our multilingual learners.
• The Community Liaison played a key role in family outreach, supporting attendance, communication, and access to resources through both in-person and digital platforms.

This year’s progress highlights the impact of consistent effort, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to student success across our campus.

Capped Off with a Heartfelt Sendoff

We ended the school year with a meaningful promotion ceremony for our Class of 2025. These students, over 630 strong, have shown what it means to grow, to persevere, and to take pride in each stride forward. As I shared during the ceremony:

"You won’t always control what’s in front of you, but you will always control how you respond. That’s grit. That’s determination. That’s how success is built-one decision, one action, one stride at a time."

The Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of involvement, leadership, and progress. We are proud of who they’ve become and confident in the future they are stepping into.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the next school year, our focus remains clear: to create and maintain a safe, welcoming learning environment where every student can thrive.

Building on the foundation we’ve established together, we look ahead with plans to:

• Strengthen academic performance across classrooms
• Expand student leadership opportunities
• Increase access to hands-on, real-world learning experiences
• Support student well-being with the opening of our Tiger Den Wellness Room
• Provide more engaging lunchtime activities to foster connection and school pride

This important work is only possible through the strength of our school community, and we look forward to continuing it with you.

But first, enjoy a well-deserved summer break. To our 8th grade families, best wishes on your next chapter. To returning and new families, we’ll see you in August, ready to take the next stride forward.

It's a matter of pride.